Getting Around Burlington. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation: Green Mountain Transit GMT

Green Mountain Transit (GMT) operates Burlington's public bus system, providing an affordable and practical way to get around the city and its surrounding areas. Its network connects downtown with residential areas, major institutions like the University of Vermont, shopping centers, and neighboring towns.

The system is designed to be user-friendly, especially for navigating the core city area.

Routes and Fares

Main Hub: The Downtown Transit Center (DTC) at 100 Cherry Street serves as the central hub for most GMT routes.
Routes: Route 1 (Pearl Street) to UVM, Route 2 (Williston Road) to South Burlington, Route 11 (College Street Shuttle) for downtown loop, Route 12 (Airport/Downtown).
Fares: Single ride $1.25 (exact cash needed). Day pass $3.00 for unlimited rides. Multi-day/monthly passes available.
Accessibility: All GMT buses are wheelchair accessible with ramps or lifts.

Operating Hours

Weekdays: approx. 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Saturdays: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM. Most routes do not operate on Sundays. Check GMT website for schedules.

Route Maps

Digital route maps and detailed schedules are on the GMT website. Printed maps may be at the Downtown Transit Center.

Efficiency Tip

Use the Transit app on your smartphone for real-time bus tracking. Plan your route in advance.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxi Services

Licensed taxis in Burlington are metered with identifiable rooftop signs (e.g., Burlington Taxi, Airport Taxi).
Common to call for a taxi, but possible to hail in busier downtown areas.
Fares are metered. Cash or major credit cards generally accepted.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Uber and Lyft are widely available and popular in Burlington.
Request a ride directly from your smartphone. Payments are processed through the app.
Safety: Confirm vehicle details (make, model, license plate, driver photo) before entering. Share trip details.

Rental Options

Car Rental

Major companies (Avis, Budget, Enterprise) at BTV. Minimum age 21 (under 25 may incur surcharge). Valid driver's license and credit card needed. Use DiscoverCars.com for bookings.

Motorcycle/Scooter

Limited options directly in Burlington. Some specialty shops outside the city may offer seasonal rentals.

Bicycle Rentals

Local bike shops (Local Motion, Outdoor Gear Exchange) offer daily/weekly rentals ($20-$40/day). The Burlington Greenway is ideal for cycling. A Portable bike repair kit is useful.

Driving & Parking

Drive on the right. Seatbelts mandatory. Cell phone use restricted. Metered street parking downtown (Mon-Sat). Parking garages available (Lakeview, Marketplace, Cherry Street).

Walking & Cycling

Burlington lends itself beautifully to exploration on foot or by bicycle. Its pedestrian-friendly infrastructure supports easy discovery.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Church Street Marketplace: Pedestrian-only zone, heart of downtown. Ideal for strolling, shopping, dining.
Waterfront Park: Expansive public park along Lake Champlain, paved paths for leisurely walks.
Downtown: Highly walkable, easily move between Church Street, waterfront, shops, restaurants.
College Campuses: University of Vermont (UVM) and Champlain College campuses offer pleasant walks.

Walking Tours & Safety

Walking Tour Options: Guided historical walking tours by local companies. Self-guided maps from Burlington Visitors Center.
Bicycle Infrastructure: Burlington Greenway is a 12.5-mile paved path along Lake Champlain. Some city streets have designated bike lanes.
Safety: Wearing a helmet is highly recommended for cycling. Be aware of vehicle traffic, follow traffic laws, use hand signals.
No-Go Areas: No specific "no-go" areas during the day. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or deserted areas late at night.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses: Not common within Burlington itself due to its compact nature. Some companies offer regional bus tours.
Boat Taxis & Water Transport: Spirit of Ethan Allen III offers scenic cruises on Lake Champlain. Lake Champlain Ferries provide vehicle/passenger transport to New York.
Unique Local Transport: Burlington does not feature cable cars, funiculars, or similar unique systems.

Accessibility Services: Green Mountain Transit (GMT) provides accessible bus services; all buses accommodate wheelchairs.
Many public buildings and attractions adhere to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance standards.
Check specific venues or accommodations for detailed accessibility information.

Getting Around Summary

Walkable City

Downtown Burlington is highly walkable. Explore Church Street and the waterfront on foot.

Public Bus System

GMT buses connect areas, offering an affordable way to travel.

Rentals Available

Bicycles and cars are available for rent, providing flexibility for exploration.

Final Tip:

Burlington's compact nature means many attractions are close, minimizing the need for extensive transportation planning once you are in the city center.

Embrace walking and cycling to fully experience its charm and natural beauty.

Getting Around Burlington